Statement by foreign minister Stef Blok on the recall of the Dutch ambassador to Iran

News item | 04-03-2019 | 16:54

‘The government has decided to recall the Dutch ambassador from Tehran for consultations. This decision follows the announcement by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that two Dutch members of staff posted to the Tehran embassy have been declared ‘personae non gratae’ and must leave the country.

The Iranian ambassador was immediately summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague. It was made clear to him that the expulsion of the two Dutch members of staff is unacceptable.

The two diplomats returned to the Netherlands today. Their abrupt departure was a shock to them, their families and the team they left behind. They will be given all the support they need.’